Forensic Science (Hons) Wrexham University

Overview

The Forensic Science (Hons) course at Wrexham University  uses real-world case studies, simulated crime scenes, and courtroom-style assessments to develop expert witness skills. 

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course can pursue careers in: 

• Forensic science – Analysing biological, chemical, and physical evidence in forensic laboratories to support criminal investigations. You may specialise in areas such as DNA analysis, trace evidence, or forensic chemistry. 

• Crime scene investigation – Attending crime scenes to collect, document, and preserve evidence. You will work closely with forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies to reconstruct events and link evidence to suspects. 

• Toxicology – Identifying and analysing drugs, poisons, and toxins in biological and environmental samples. Toxicologists work in forensic casework, pharmaceutical development, environmental monitoring, and drug safety. 

• Policing and forensic support roles – Working in law enforcement where forensic science training is beneficial. This could include exhibits officers, who manage and maintain forensic evidence, fingerprint analysts, who specialise in fingerprint comparison and identification, or digital forensics teams, who recover and analyse electronic evidence from computers, mobile devices, and online sources. 

• Mortuary practice – Assisting forensic pathologists in post-mortem examinations, collecting forensic samples, and documenting findings for criminal investigations and medical research. 

• Quality control and laboratory science – Conducting scientific testing in food safety, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and industrial quality control to ensure products and processes meet regulatory standards. 

• Anthropology and archaeology – Locating, excavating, and analysing buried and concealed forensic or historical evidence. This includes searching for clandestine graves, excavating mass burial sites, or uncovering historical artefacts that provide insight into past civilisations or forensic investigations. 

• Analytical chemistry – Performing chemical testing for pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental health, and forensic applications. You may analyse toxic substances, pollutants, or chemical compounds used in industry and crime investigations. 

• Search dog handling – Training and deploying dogs to assist in locating human remains, missing persons, explosives, drugs, or environmental hazards. Search dogs are used in law enforcement, forensic investigations, and disaster response. 

• Regulatory science and compliance – Ensuring industries such as healthcare, environmental protection, and forensic science adhere to legal and scientific standards. This includes product safety, ethical compliance, and laboratory accreditation. 

• Science communication and public engagement – Translating forensic and scientific concepts for media, education, museums, consultancy, or outreach programmes. You may work as a science journalist, forensic educator, or public engagement specialist, making complex topics accessible to wider audiences.